Trying to perform genuine analysis of recent Clippers games is like trying to offer serious film criticism of a Happy Madison production. I suppose there are things we can glean – Powell’s growth, Thornton’s erratic play, etc. -- but the truth is that with the exception of an isolation here and a deft defensive switch there, I don’t think it’s all that practical to gauge Thornton’s NBA game in this context. When the other guys on the floor are named Smush, Dickau, and Fazekas, there’s only so much you can reasonably evaluate. What’s worse is that, because he's playing out of position, Thornton has had to contend with a guy who’s either 6’ 11” or 7’ 1” on both ends each of the past two nights. I can’t imagine that’s constructive for a young small forward trying to develop his skills.

Fully recognizing that the Clippers are the skinny mirrors of the NBA – any team looks good when it's facing them – Portland is a well-coached squad. They space the floor beautifully. Nate McMillan is using LaMarcus Aldridge cleverly both in the post and on the weak side to scramble the defense. They’re a patient team in the halfcourt [which is, like, always], and don’t turn it over. Had Brandon Roy hit more of those 16-foot Js off the left elbow, the game might’ve been even uglier.

Posted Wednesday, October 29 at 3:20PM

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Comments

Brand, Livingston, Kaman, Thomas, Knight, Williams and Davis we almost ave more guys hurt than we have suited ready to play. Its really not worth the drive to see a game.

I was listening to a local radio show and Jeff from Tarzana calls stating that the Clips used give up the pick and get Mike Miller. That's the most stupiest idea I have heard from a Clipper fan. The possibilities of the team obtaining a Rose from Memphis or even a Mayo from SC will be better than Miller. I hope that management does their homework in this draft, we can't afford to screwed it up like all the rest of the times.

Stern needs to do something about teams tanking to get a better draft pick. Everyone except Davis would be playing right now if they Clippers were still in the playoff race. picks 1-13 should all be random ping pong balls, everyone having the same odds.

I'm all for tanking the games to get the picks, but it might be nice to see Kamen and Brand together now.

the clips also need to win the lottery and pick up Rose. We have no point guard next year, Brevin Knight is the only one guaranteed and I don't think the Clips should even consider paying the $5 million dolar qualifying offer to Livingston. no other team would pay him that much without seeing him ay again, but it's the clips, and i bet they will, sadly.